Ohio End of Life Options Press Room

Responsible Reporting on Medical Aid in Dying for the terminally ill:
A Guide for Journalists

Thank you for visiting the Ohio End of Life Options Press Room. We understand that reporting on a complex, personal topic can be a challenge. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if we can assist you in accurately reporting on this vital healthcare issue.

Journalists have a profound responsibility to report with sensitivity, accuracy, and care when covering Medical Aid in Dying (MAID). The language they choose and the context they provide shape public understanding of this deeply personal end-of-life option.

Medical Aid in Dying is not “assisted suicide” – this distinction is crucial and recognized within legislation in every U.S. state where the practice is authorized. When journalists report on someone who has died by suicide, they’re describing a person who has tragically ended their life prematurely. In contrast, medical aid in dying involves terminally ill individuals who are already dying and seek to control the timing and circumstances of an inevitable death. These individuals are not choosing between living and dying; they are choosing a peaceful death over a potentially prolonged and painful one. Suicide prevention efforts are too important to conflate with the voluntary healthcare option of Medical Aid in Dying.

The terminology matters deeply to patients, families, and healthcare providers. Using incorrect terms like “assisted suicide” can stigmatize those seeking this compassionate option and misrepresent the legal, medical, and ethical frameworks that govern the practice in the United States.

Journalists should focus on U.S. laws and policies when reporting on Medical Aid in Dying rather than drawing comparisons to those in other countries, such as Canada, the Netherlands, Belgium, or others. The U.S. approach is distinct, with specific safeguards and multi-step eligibility requirements that differ significantly from international models. Comparing these systems often creates confusion and can misrepresent the limited scope of U.S. laws.

Medical Aid in Dying is fundamentally a public health issue. It intersects with healthcare access, patient autonomy, palliative care resources, and broader discussions about dignity at the end of life. Framing it this way, rather than as a primarily political or religious controversy, helps readers understand the complex factors involved.

When interviewing patients or their families, journalists should approach the conversation with the same care they would when discussing any sensitive health topic. They should respect privacy boundaries, avoid sensationalism, and recognize the courage it takes to share these deeply personal stories. Journalists should consider how their reporting might affect others facing similar circumstances.

By reporting responsibly on Medical Aid in Dying, journalists can foster informed public discourse that respects the complexity of end-of-life decisions and honors the humanity of those navigating life’s final chapter.